On 9-11 September 2011, the Handy Cup 2011 Partnership Building and Networking Conference, organised by Handy Cup Onlus (Italy) and Inspire Foundation (Malta), with the support of No Peace Without Justice, was held in Marsakloxx and Ta’Xbiex, in Malta.

This three-day international meeting brought together disabled and socially disadvantaged young people, as well as representatives of groups, associations and institutions dealing with disability issues from fourteen different Mediterranean and Gulf Countries. The event included a non-competitive sailing regatta called “We are all in the same boat”, which was held on Sunday 11 September in Maltese waters.

The event aimed at increasing public awareness and promoting a multicultural dialogue on three main thematic topics: “Disability and Active Citizenship”, “Disability and Self-Determination” and “The Rights of People with disabilities and the Mediterranean Countries”. The conference concluded with the adoption of a final document with several recommendations. In particular we can highlight:

The ratification and real application of UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in each of the countries participating in this event, and the ratification of its Additional Protocols, which provide specific instruments of control.

The enforcement of the rights of people with disabilities and the engagement to make them more involved within public society, in particular on the issues specifically concerning themselves.

Ensure the protection from each form of discrimination and harassment, especially in war and occupied countries.

Finally, the participants engage themselves to keep on collaboration and dialogue during next month, creating a network between the different Mediterranean Association working with disability, watching at and thinking on the 2012 edition of the event.